News & Resouces

The Latest News from OACS Ireland

Statement from OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland on cabinet approval for non-statutory inquiry into historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate.

By wpengine | July 11, 2023

11th July 2023. OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland welcome today’s official approval from cabinet to establish an inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate in Ireland. Both organisations have campaigned for the establishment of an inquiry since…

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EMA study suggests possible increased risk to children of fathers treated with (Epilim) Sodium Valproate.

By wpengine | May 30, 2023

Updated: Tue, 30/05/2023 Findings from a new study, which was undertaken at the request of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), due to pressure from patient groups and advocates throughout europe. Which has now highlighted potential increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in…

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Families unanswered issues re -“the Valproate Inquiry”

By wpengine | May 16, 2023

OACS Ireland has had recent meetings with the Department of Health in relation to the Inquiry into Epilim (Sodium Valproate) however, throughout this whole process the following concerns are continuously raised and are still outstanding. OACS Ireland needs clarity  for…

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Supporting International Women’s Day 2023

By wpengine | March 8, 2023

In support of women and their children harmed by the prescription of epilepsy drug Epilim (Sodium Valproate) in pregnancy, OACS Ireland is reiterating its call for the commencement of a promised Government- inquiry into the prescription and licensing of this…

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Families urge Donnelly to hold inquiry into use of epilepsy drug during pregnancy.

By wpengine | March 5, 2023

On Saturday the 04/03/2023, Niamh Griffin from the Irish Examiner published yet another outstanding article on the lack of justice for those who have been injured by Epilim (Sodium Valproate) some children and adults who are catastrophically injured. The truth…

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OACS Ireland writes to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on the Epilim (Sodium Valproate) Inquiry.

By wpengine | February 14, 2023

Re: Sodium Valproate (EPILIM) Inquiry. Dear Minister, We trust this finds you well. We are contacting you to ascertain a precise indication for the establishment of the inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate in Ireland together…

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Sodium Valproate “Epilim” Campaign Update

By wpengine | December 5, 2022

Last updated:05/12/2022 We and our colleagues in Epilepsy Ireland are pleased to inform our members and supporters that there have been two positive developments recently regarding our ongoing joint campaign surrounding Sodium Valproate (Epilim). Which are the Nurses and the…

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OACS Ireland Annual Report 2021

By wpengine | November 24, 2022

Chairs Opening Remarks 2021 was another important year as we sought to progress the Inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate (Epilim) in Ireland which was promised by the Minister for Health in November 2020. At the…

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Supporting #MedSafetyWeek 2022

By wpengine | November 7, 2022

Global campaign to promote reporting side effects from medicines. Takes place from Monday 7 November to Sunday 13 November 2022.  OACS Ireland will be supporting the HPRA with their part in the seventh annual #MedSafetyWeek, a global week-long social media campaign to raise…

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Crucial Update on Topiramate (Topamax) for women with epilepsy and other conditions of childbearing potential.

By wpengine | October 24, 2022

Updated the 24/10/2022 During the summer, a new piece of research suggested that the potential neurodevelopmental impacts associated with the anti-seizure medication (ASM) Topiramate (Topamax) if prescribed during pregnancy may be more significant than previously thought. The paper led to…

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Videos / Media

OACS Ireland: The Story So Far

Public Hearing on Valproate

Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Patients*

Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Hospital Doctors*

Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Neurologists & Psychiatrists*

Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For GPs*

*The Medication Safety Minute Team in conjunction with Dr Colin Doherty, Epileptologist in St. James’s Hospital (SJH), have produced a series of 4 videos to highlight the risks associated with sodium valproate medicines if taken during pregnancy. Each of the videos highlights key points in relation to the management of the issue from a different perspective − that of the patient, the hospital doctor, the specialist (neurologist or psychiatrist), and the GP, respectively. These videos were released during National Epilepsy Week which aims to raise awareness Epilim (Sodium Valproate) in pregnancy.